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Energy balls bursting with coffee flavor and a satisfying cookie dough-like texture, made with wholesome, vegan ingredients and a protein boost. Drizzled with dark chocolate for an extra decadent touch, these protein bites are the perfect pick-me-up snack for any time of day.
Story behind Coffee Walnut Protein Bites
I’ve been obsessed with coffee flavor lately. You might remember my Vegan Walnut Caramel Macchiato Cheesecake and Coffee Banana Chia Pudding – well, these Coffee Walnut Protein Bites are my latest coffee-infused creation. They’re not just delicious, but also packed with protein and healthy fats for a satisfying treat.
What’s special about Coffee Walnut Protein Bites?
- Coffee lovers rejoice: Bursting with coffee flavor, these bites satisfy your cravings.
- Healthy treat: Made with wholesome ingredients, they’re a delicious and nutritious.
- Protein packed: A boost of protein powder keeps you feeling full and energized.
- Easy peasy: No-bake means they’re quick and convenient to whip up.
- Perfect any time: Enjoy them throughout the day for quick satisfaction.
- Vegan: Uses only plant-based ingredients, better for your body and also the World.
- Freezer-friendly: Worry about lacking of snack when busy? These protein bites can be frozen for up to 2 weeks for any rainy day. Simply defrost them and enjoy!
What We Need to Make Them
- Pitted dates: This is the main source of the sweetness in these coffee protein bites. Use soft ones like Medjool dates or Deglet Noor dates for the perfect texture.
- Oats: to make up the main body of these energy balls. I use rolled oats here, but you can also use instant oats.
- Vegan protein powder (Coffee flavor): give an extra protein boost. I use this coffee walnut protein blend, which I really like. You can just use plain protein powder plus 1–2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules and 1–2 teaspoon of sweetener of your choice.
- Walnuts: to give out the amazing nutty taste. I like to use toasted walnuts to get out most of the flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Just a hint to add extra sweet undertone.
- Chia seeds: acts as a binder. They also provide more nutrition.
- Nut butter: for the extra nuttiness and richness. You can use any nut butter of your choice. Here I use triple nut butter.
- Vanilla extract: Optional but will make these protein balls taste even better.
- Dark chocolate: to drizzle on top. I suggest using 70% dark chocolate.
How to Make Coffee Walnut Protein Bites
These balls are super easy to put together. Basically, just chop the dates in the food processor first, then add all the ingredients to blitz again until it turn into a wet bread crumb mixture.
Then just use a tablespoon to shape it into small balls. Melt the chocolate to drizzle on top followed by a sprinkle of crushed walnuts. You can enjoy them directly, or put them into the freezer for 5 minutes to let the chocolate set. Enjoy with some plant-based milk, tea, or coffee!
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free oats and check the allergen information when purchasing other ingredients.
How should I store them?
Just pop them into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days, or 2 weeks in the freezer for longer shelf-life.
What protein powder can I use?
If you want to minify the ingredient list, use coffee flavor protein powder. But if you don’t have it, you can just use plain protein powder and add 1–2 teaspoons, depending on your taste, of instant coffee granule and 1–2 teaspoons sweetener of choice.
So there you have it – delicious, energizing, and protein-packed Coffee Walnut Protein Bites! These bite-sized treats are perfect for satisfying your coffee cravings while keeping you fueled throughout the day. They’re easy to make, require no baking, and use wholesome ingredients that are good for you and the planet.
Whip up a batch this weekend and enjoy them all week long! Store them in the fridge or freezer, and you’ll always have a convenient and satisfying snack on hand.
I hope you like this recipe as much as I do! Let me know if you got any problems or thoughts by leaving a comment! Love — Nora.
What else can I make?
If you like no-bake, simple, delicious snacks like this protein bites, you can also check out:
Coffee Walnut Protein Bites (Vegan, No-bake)
Ingredients
- 42 g pitted dates, soft ones like Medjool dates or soft Deglet Noor
- 68 g rolled oats, or instant oats (⅔ cup). Use gluten-free if necessary
- 4 Tbsp vegan protein powder, coffee walnut flavor*
- 2 Tbsp walnuts, toasted, plus 1 Tbsp for topping
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 Tbsp chia seeds
- 60 g nut butter, I use triple nut butter (¼ cup)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp water, plus more if needed
- 20 g dark chocolate, 70% (~2 squares)
Instructions
- Add the pitted dates to a food processor and blitz until they are finely chopped.
- Add the rest ingredients EXCEPT for water: oats, protein powder, walnuts, cinnamon, chia seeds, nut butter, and vanilla extract. Blend again to bring all the ingredients together.
- Stop and scrape down the sides to tidy up and also to make sure everything is well mixed. Then add water. Blend again until it’s mix evenly. Check if the mixture can stick together when press together. If not, add 1 teaspoon of water at a time to blend until they reach the right consistency.
- Use a tablespoon to scoop out the mixture, about a full tablespoon, and shape it into a ball. Place on a small tray or plate lined with parchment paper. Repeat to finish all the mixture.
- Melt the dark chocolate in a bowl over a small pan with simmering water or in a microwave, stir occasionally to let it fully melted. If using a microwave, set it to medium heat and 30 seconds first, then microwave again if it’s not fully melted.
- Drizzle the melted dark chocolate on top of the protein balls. Crush 1 tablespoon of walnuts and sprinkle them on top. You can enjoy directly, or place the tray into the freezer for 5 minutes to let the chocolate set.
Notes
- *Vegan Protein Powder: Here I use my beloved coffee walnut flavor vegan protein powder as it’s quite handy to get more flavor. If you don’t have it, simple use plain protein powder and add 1–2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules and 1 teaspoon of sweetener of your choice.
- Storage: Store these protein bites in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days or 2 weeks in the freezer.
- Servings: This recipe makes about 12 small balls. The serving portion is just for simple reference as 2 balls per person as snacks. As long as you enjoy them mindfully, have the amount that suits your need!
